STAFF from the council protested at its HQ over planned pay changes they say will plunge them into poverty and could lead to some losing their homes.

COUNCIL workers protested at their HQ yesterday over planned pay changes they say will plunge them into poverty.

The low-paid staff, including binmen and care workers, have had their wage packets protected for more than two years from the effects of a massive shake-up of wages and conditions at Edinburgh City Council.

But the protection period runs out in October next year, and the staff say they are set to lose “life-changing” sums.

Binman Jimmy McCormack, 48, who joined the protest at City Chambers, fears he will lose more than £4000 of his £19,000 income when his new pay grade takes effect.

He said: “That’s a bodyblow to anybody.

“I know people who will more than likely lose their homes and a lot of families will be put under immense strain, especially in houses where the worker is the sole breadwinner.

“The closer we get to October, the more the pressure builds.”

Jimmy McCormack, a refuse collector attending the protest

Colleague George Paton, 42, who faces a similar drop in income, added: “If these changes come into effect, it will not be worth working. It would push me below the breadline.

“I’ve worked since I left school. I get up at quarter to five in all sorts of weather but from next October I’m not sure there will be much point. I would be better living off the State.”

The council changed the wages and conditions of their staff after being forced to pay out £15.6million to 2700 female workers under equal pay law.

The women had successfully claimed they were denied bonuses given to their male colleagues.

Around 17,000 jobs were evaluated and given new descriptions, terms and conditions.

But the council also put in a three-year protection period which is now months away from expiring.

Ian McDonald of the Unite union said at yesterday’s protest: “The pay modernisation programme is going to plunge many workers and their families below the breadline.

“We’re urging our councillors to recognise the severity of the situation and re-engage with the trade unions to find a better way.”

A council spokesman said: “We’re very much aware of the implications for some staff in October 2013. We will work with trade unions in coming months on this.”

The city council yesterday approved plans to guarantee all their workers a “living wage” of £7.50 per hour from January. It will mean rises of more than £1000 a year for some of the lowest-paid staff.